Teaching kids about the life of Jesus can be both meaningful and fun when paired with hands-on learning. In this round-up, you’ll find five engaging Sunday School lessons, complete with scripted stories, simple crafts, games, and activities that have been designed for preschool through third grade. From Jesus at the Temple as a boy to His baptism, the widow’s offering, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Lord’s Prayer, each post is packed with creative ways to help kids understand who Jesus is and why His words still matter today.
WHO IS JESUS?
Jesus is the Son of God. He loved people wherever he went and taught people the importance of loving God and loving people.
How do you explain Jesus to a child?
Jesus talked about the importance of having a child-like faith. So, explaining Jesus to a child doesn’t have to be complicated. They will understand the simple concepts of Jesus and his great love for people.
Jesus is God's Son—He is both fully God and fully human. He was born in Bethlehem to Mary, a human mother; Joseph was his earthly father. Jesus was perfect and never sinned. During his life, Jesus taught people about God’s love, did amazing miracles like healing people and calming storms, and spent time with everyone, even those others ignored. He is the most important part of God’s story because he died on the cross for our sins and came back to life, so we can be forgiven and be part of God’s forever family.
Where are stories about Jesus found in the bible?
The entire Bible points to Jesus, but you can find stories of Jesus’ life in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
JESUS VISITS THE TEMPLE AS A BOY
There aren’t many stories about Jesus as a child, so this story allows kids to be curious about what Jesus was like when he was their age. Jesus and his family went to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. At the end of the celebration, his family started to travel home, but Jesus stayed behind. His parents couldn’t find him anywhere, but eventually found him in the temple learning from the religious leaders. This story helps kids understand Jesus’ wisdom, obedience, and desire to learn more about God.
There are many great activities to teach about Jesus as a boy in the temple. Jesus was in the temple asking the religious leaders questions. Encourage kids that asking questions is a good thing; take time to have kids journal about their questions. Challenge kids to create a LEGO and play-dough diorama of the story. You’ll also find several printable craft options in Jesus Visits the Temple Bible Lessons for Kids, including a printable craft where kids create a temple with doors that open to reveal Jesus inside the temple.
JESUS IS BAPTIZED
Jesus set us an example when he was baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist. Baptism is an important practice of our faith, so teaching this story naturally lends to conversations about what baptism looks like today.
Jesus is Baptized Bible Lessons for Kids has many ideas for teaching this story, including a printable popsicle stick craft for preschoolers. You’ll also find YouTube video ideas, printable lesson plans, and an activity to help facilitate discussion about “What does baptism look like in my church?” Other ideas to teach this story include water relays, a baptism sensory bin, and more!
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
The Sermon on the Mount is the longest recorded sermon Jesus gave. It’s also, arguably, the most famous. It covers many topics, including humility, prayer, loving God, and loving people.
There are many ways to teach about the Sermon on the Mount. Brainstorm ways kids can show simple acts of kindness to those around them. Eat salty snacks and discuss being the “salt of the earth”. Create a “Beatitudes Matching Game” and have kids match the blessing and the promise for each beatitude statement. For more information on these and other ideas, check out The Sermon on the Mount Bible Lessons for Kids. You’ll also find a “Light of the World” printable paper lantern template.
JESUS TEACHES US TO PRAY
Jesus taught us how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount. The Lord’s Prayer is a beautiful framework for prayer. Prayer is vital to a relationship with God, so take time to teach this important practice.
There are many activities to help make this story come to life. Check out The Lord’s Prayer Bible Lessons for Kids for ideas like songs to help kids memorize the Lord’s Prayer, a paper crown craft that goes with the “thy kingdom come” part of the prayer, and a snack that goes with the “daily bread” part of the prayer. You’ll also find a printable prayer journal suitable for preschool and one for older kids. And don’t forget to check out the Whole Hand Prayer printable lesson designed to give kids a simple framework for their prayer time, instead of just praying a long list of things they need from God.
THE WIDOW’S OFFERING
The Widow’s Offering is a story about a generous heart, full of worship. Jesus and his disciples were in the temple watching people put money into the treasury. Many people put great sums of money in, and then a poor widow put in two small coins. She was praised for giving more than everyone else because she gave everything she had.
There are many ways to teach this story and help kids learn the importance of a generous and worshipful heart. Set up coin stations and challenge kids to do activities like a coin toss, coin rubbings, and coin estimations. Take time to brainstorm ideas of things kids can give to God (hint: they can give God more than just money!). Create a coin pouch made of felt and string. For more information on these, as well as a printable treasure chest craft, check out The Widow’s Offering Bible Lessons for Kids.
a whole year of bible lessons for kids
These lessons about the life of Jesus are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades. Don’t miss checking out the complete curriculum at a deep discount.
